Energy of the system

Electricity and Magnetism Level 3

Suppose that we have two capacitors of capacitances C1 and C2 and a switch (its resistance equals 1 Femto Ohms (*)). C1 & C2 have initial voltages V1 and V2 respectively. If we closed the switch, will the total system energy be conserved before and after switching? Choose the correct scenario.

(*) Note: Femto = ${10^{-15}}$

Can't decide according to the given information No, it will be reduced after switching Yes, it will be conserved No, it will be increased after switching

1 solution

Ahmed Kassem
May 14, 2019

The energy loss will be :

$\dfrac{1}{2}$ $Cs$ ${(V1-V2)^2}$

$Cs$ = $\dfrac{(C1 C2)}{(C1+C2)}$

and this is irrespective of the switch resistance

And since there is no information if V1=V2 or not, it can't be decided

Energy of the system

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